*New for 2015. Panasonic’s HC-WX970 is the first 4K Ultra HD consumer camcorder offered by Panasonic. 4K has 4 times the resolution of Full HD, and is about the same resolution as the 4K projector in your local movie theater. The HC-WX970 shoots 4K video at 8 megapixels (3840 x 2160) per frame, vs. 2 megapixels (1920 x 1080) of Full HD. With the industry transitioning to 4K TVs, this camcorder will future proof your videos to look spectacular on these TVs. If you shoot video in 4K and then convert it to HD, the video will still appear much sharper than a regular HD camcorder would. The HC-WX970 can record in either 4K or HD. The camcorder records 4K video to SDXC U3 Memory cards, with 4K recording at a high 72mbps bit rate. For best image quality the camcorder includes a fast Leica F1.8-F3.6 lens that was designed for the HC-WX970 to help in low light situations. For night recording, you can use the Night Vision feature. Panasonic has added a Second Twin Camera, for picture in a picture effect. The HC-WX970 has a twin camera, so you can record a picture in a picture (video recorded separately). Included are advanced features such as the new Hybrid optical/digital image stabilization with HYBRID O.I.S. which uses five-axis correction to suppress blurring, 20x optical zoom (Intelligent Zoom function can go up to 25x in 4K and 40x in HD), accessory shoe, an external microphone jack and headphone jack. At full 4K Ultra HD resolution the camcorder records to MPEG-4 H.264 at a high 72mbps bit rate. Full HD Slow Motion Feature (120fps, 240fps interpolated).

Panasonic HC-WX970 Manual control with the Multi-Manual Dial (Click for Larger Image)

Panasonic HC-WX970 Features: The Panasonic HC-WX970 in addition to being full automatic, can also allow you to manually change settings with the Multi Manual Dial. For best quality video, this camcorder has an HDMI Mini Connector (output) to hook up to an HDTV or 4K TV. An accessory shoe allows you to add an external light or microphone. Built-in Video Light and Flash. Features a 3.0″ LCD with (460,800 pixels). A New Microphone is shielded from wind noise (great for outdoor shooting). It is a 5.1ch Surround, Zoom, Focus Stereo Microphone. Sound is recorded in Dolby Digital 2 channel, or Dolby Digital 5.1. Includes an External Microphone Jack. Card slot can take SDHC and SDXC cards. Wind Noise Canceller detects and reduces wind noise. Crystal Engine 4K processor. Built-in WiFi.HC-WX970 Dimensions: 2.6″ x 2.9″ x 5.5″ (12.45 ounces).Camcorder 4K & HD Recording Modes: 4K Ultra HD 2160p Recording @ 30fps (72Mbps bit rate), 1080p @ 60fps, 120fps (slow motion) 50Mbps recording.Lens 35mm equivalent range: 30.8 – 626mm (f1.8-3.6) (49mm filter) Shutter Speed: 1/2 to 1/2,000Smart-Review Commentary: The new HC-WX970 is Panasonic’s first consumer style 4K camcorder. Movie Theaters are now showing movies on 4K projectors, so the resolution of this camcorder is going to be near theater resolution. The resulting video can also be played on a regular HDTV or a 4K TV. Its fast f1.8 lens performs better in low light situations. Its 5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S.+ optical image stabilization will keep your video from blurring, even in low light. Built-in WIFI (802.11b/g/n) and NFC, will allow you to wirelessly transmit your video from your camcorder to the internet. You can also control your camcorder from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. The 60 frames/second recording mode (HD only) will give you smoother and more lifelike HD video, especially for fast moving action like sports. The 120fps 1080p mode can provide slow motion effects. A rarity on camcorders is an external microphone jack, and headphone jack for better audio control. The 3.0-inch LCD screen (468,000 dots) makes it easier to compose your video. This model has a Multi Manual Dial (to adjust focus, white balance, iris, etc.), usually only seen on higher priced camcorders. The 5.1 Channel Surround Sound Microphone, so that it reduces or eliminates wind noise. HDR (High Dynamic Range) feature for challenging lighting situations. Shooting in 4K today will future proof your videos even if you don’t have a 4K TV. The HC-VX870 model is identical to the WX970 except without the Twin Camera. We previewed this model at CES 2015 and the sample footage was beautiful on a 4K TV. The Panasonic HC-WX970 is a Smart-Review top pick for 2015.